Interviews by Rui Pastorin
A new exhibition kicked off yesterday at Galaxy Macau’s “GalaxyArt” in Cotai, presenting the works of over 20 artists from the Macao Polytechnic University (MPU) who are each presenting how they perceive Macau and its local aspects through art.
Co-hosted by the integrated resort operator and MPU, “The Scrolls of Stars – Macau Polytechnic University Art Exhibition” features work such as paintings, digital art and multisensory installations created by the public university’s teachers, alumni and students from its Faculty of Arts and Design.
Acting Dean and Associate Professor of the Faculty of Arts and Design at MPU Lai Mei Kei told the Post that the exhibition, which features artists from Macau and the mainland, and the university’s cooperation with Galaxy are meaningful, hoping to promote Macau’s art. “I think it’s a really meaningful opportunity for us, for the alumni, teachers and students, that we can exhibit our artwork to the public”.
Lai added that each work incorporates Chinese culture and common local aspects such as the lotus flower, the city’s history and cityscape, and integrated resorts, and the artists perceptions. “It’s all about how we connect each other through different art mediums and the artwork”, according to Lai.
The lotus is the official emblem of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR).
Perspective of a local student
Among the many artists showcasing their works is local third-year student Lam Kai Weng, who hopes those looking at his 2024 painting can ask and discuss the question “Have you ever been a sheep in a flock?”.
His titular work is an oil painting that incorporates glazing, a method that uses a thin layer of oil paint, Lam told the Post. He added that having many transparent layers can create a deep reflection of light.
On the inspiration behind its creation, Lam said that it started while he was getting a bus from Praça de Ferreira do Amaral (亞馬윙품뒈). At the time, he noticed that there were a lot of tourists posing or doing the same things in front of Hotel Lisboa, which made him ask himself if they are like a flock of sheep who are all doing the same thing and thought of it as an interesting social phenomenon. He also drew inspiration from social media as he observed that people often “check in” and post about doing the same things at local hot spots like Grand Lisboa, which he found intriguing and interesting.
Lam said he hopes that exhibitiongoers can discuss and think about things such as if they have ever been one of the sheep among the crowd and their thought process when it comes to sharing on social media. He emphasised, however, that the point is not to judge anyone, but to raise critical thinking.
The free-admission exhibition is on display until April 25 and can be visited from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Workshops will also be available. More details can be found on https://www.galaxymacau.com.
A concurrent exhibition, “Nature, My Muse” by local Portuguese artist Cristina Vinhas, is also being held at the same venue until April 25, showcasing a collection of her art jewellery creations.
Acting Dean and Associate Professor of the Faculty of Arts and Design at MPU Lai Mei Kei (2nd row, 6th from right) poses with artists and guests at the GalaxyArt entrance at Galaxy Macau in Cotai yesterday afternoon. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
Local artist and student Lam Kai Weng poses in front of his painting.
